Live tool having monoblock with fluid channel and fluid driven spindle

ABSTRACT

A live tool system having a live tool and a collar surrounding a rotating shaft or a rotating cutting tool of the live tool. The collar houses at least one sensor capable of monitoring an operating condition proximate to the cutting tool during a cutting operation. Example operating conditions including temperature and vibration. The system also includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor for transmitting a signal for use by a machining center controller.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/410,218filed Jan. 19 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,207,379, which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/281,431, filed Jan. 21, 2016. Thecontents of the aforementioned applications are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This disclosure relates to live tools, such as mechanical and fluiddrive spindles. This disclosure also relates to enclosed machiningcenters in which the live tools are used.

BACKGROUND

Machining centers are often used for metal and wood cutting or millingprocesses to shape a workpiece into the desired configuration. Theprocess of forming a finished product can require several distinct typesof cutting or milling requiring a variety of different tool and avariety of relative motions between the workpiece and the tool. Toprovide for the substantially continuous processing of the workpiece,machining centers often include automatic tool changers (ATC) that arecapable of changing out the in-use tools.

Often, some of the tools within the ATC are live tools. Live toolsprovide a rotating cutting tool in additional to the translationalmotion of the tools themselves. Live tools may be mechanically drivenlive tools or may be fluid driven live tools. In the case ofmechanically drive live tools, the machining center may operate acentralized motor that is mechanically engaged with the live tool whenthe live tool has been selected for use. Thus, knowledge of theoperating conditions of the live tool must be inferred from theoperation of the centralized motor within the ATC.

In the case of fluid driven spindles, the centralized drive motor maynot be required at all. Within relying upon the wired communicationbetween a controller of the machining center and the ATC, there may notbe any way to fully monitor the operation of a fluid driven spindlein-use within a machining center set up for mechanical live tools. Inother words, current machine control systems may be unable tosufficiently determine the live tool's operating condition for accesscontrol or other reasons. Even when powered through the machine controlsystem, the tool's operating condition is monitored indirectly fromafar, such as through a centralized motor. This indirect monitoring canlead to inaccuracies caused by time lag or a break in the system.Therefore there is a need for a system that allows for local, accuratemonitoring of the operation of live tools. Preferably, there is a needfor a monitoring system that may be applied somewhat universally toexisting live tools.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to improve communication between machiningcenters and the live tools in-use therein. In some embodiments, thepresent disclosure provides a system that may be substantiallyuniversally applied to existing live tools.

The present disclosure may be cast in the form of the followingparagraphs:

Paragraph 1. A live tool system, the system comprising:

a live tool;

a collar surrounding a rotating shaft or a rotating cutting tool of thelive tool, the collar housing at least one sensor capable of monitoringan operating condition proximate to the cutting tool during a cuttingoperation; and

a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor fortransmitting a signal for use by a machining center controller.

Paragraph 2. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the at leastone sensor is a temperature sensor and the operating condition comprisesthe temperature adjacent to the cutting tool.

Paragraph 3. The live tool system of Paragraph 2, further comprising: awireless receiver capable of receiving signals sent from the wirelesstransmitter; and

a controller connector for operably connecting the wireless receiver tothe machining center controller,

wherein the controller connector is configured to relay temperatureinformation to the machine center controller for adjusting at least onefunction of the machining center in response to the temperatureinformation.

Paragraph 4. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the at leastone sensor is a vibration sensor and the operating condition comprisesvibration caused by the rotation and cutting operation of the cuttingtool.

Paragraph 5. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the collar isconfigured to replace a collet or a collet locking nut used to securethe cutting tool to the live tool.

Paragraph 6. The live tool system of Paragraph 5, wherein the collar isan ER Collet Chuck Lock Nut.

Paragraph 7. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the collar isheld in place by a collet locking nut.

Paragraph 8. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the collar ismounted to the live tool with a bracket band.

Paragraph 9. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, further comprising ahousing for the wireless transmitter, the housing being mounted to thelive tool at a location remote from the collar, and the wirelesstransmitter is connected to the collar by a cable.

Paragraph 10. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the housingis mounted to the live tool by a transmitter connector band.

Paragraph 11. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the live toolis a fluid drive live tool.

Paragraph 12. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the live toolis a mechanically driven live tool.

Paragraph 13. The live tool system of Paragraph 1, wherein the at leastone sensor functions without modification to the shaft or the cuttingtool.

Paragraph 14. A wireless monitoring kit for mounting to a live tool,comprising: a collar configured to mount to the live tool such that thecollar at least partially surrounds a rotating shaft or a rotatingcutting tool of the live tool, the collar housing at least one sensorcapable of monitoring an operating condition proximate to the cuttingtool during a cutting operation; and

a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor fortransmitting a signal for use by a machining center controller.

Paragraph 15. The kit of Paragraph 14, wherein the at least one sensoris a temperature sensor and the operating condition comprises thetemperature adjacent to the cutting tool.

Paragraph 16. The kit of Paragraph 15, further comprising:

a wireless receiver capable of receiving signals sent from the wirelesstransmitter; and

a controller connector for operably connecting the wireless receiver tothe machining center controller,

wherein the controller connector is configured to relay temperatureinformation to the machine center controller for adjusting at least onefunction of the machining center in response to the temperatureinformation.

Paragraph 17. The kit of Paragraph 14, wherein the at least one sensoris a vibration sensor and the operating condition comprises vibrationcaused by the rotation and cutting operation of the cutting tool.

Paragraph 18. The kit of Paragraph 14, wherein the collar is configuredto replace a collet or a collet locking nut used to secure the cuttingtool to the live tool.

Paragraph 19. A method of monitoring a live tool, comprising:

mounting a collar around at least one of a cutting tool, a collet, and ashaft of the live tool, the collar comprising at least one temperaturesensor;

mounting a wireless transmitting unit to the live tool, the wirelesstransmitting unit in communication with the at least one temperaturesensor; and

sensing the temperature adjacent to the cutting tool during a cuttingoperation using the at least one sensor.

Paragraph 20. The method of Paragraph 19, further comprising:

transmitting a signal representative of the sensed temperature to awireless receiver in communication with a controller of a machiningcenter; and

adjusting or terminating operation of the live tool when a spike intemperature is detected.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of a fluid driven cutting tool spindleusable with machining centers disclosed.

FIG. 2A shows a second example of a fluid driven cutting tool spindleusable with machining centers disclosed.

FIG. 2B shows a detailed view of FIG. 2A according to one embodimentthereof.

FIG. 2C shows a detailed view of FIG. 2A according to a secondembodiment thereof.

FIG. 3 shows a machining center according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a machining center according to some other embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a sensor module according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the operation of themachining center of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart according to some door monitoring embodimentsof the machining center of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart according to some spindle monitoringembodiments of the machining center of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows another example of a live tool usable with machiningcenters disclosed.

FIG. 10A shows yet another example of a live tool usable with machiningcenters disclosed.

FIG. 10B shows an exploded view of the live tool of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below andillustrated in the accompanying figures, in which like numerals refer tolike parts throughout the several views. The embodiments describedprovide examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope ofthe invention. Other embodiments, and modifications and improvements ofthe described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art andall such other embodiments, modifications and improvements are withinthe scope of the present invention. Features from one embodiment oraspect may be combined with features from any other embodiment or aspectin any appropriate combination. For example, any individual orcollective features of method aspects or embodiments may be applied toapparatus, product or component aspects or embodiments and vice versa.

In some cases, fluid driven cutting tool spindles are replacing the useof electric spindles. The fluid driven cutting tool spindles may becapable of providing higher rotational speeds and are sometimes referredto as high-speed spindles.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of a fluid driven cutting tool spindle200 that may be compatible with machining centers described in thisdisclosure. The fluid drive cutting tool spindle 200 is an embodimentdesigned for use with a wireless monitoring system as discussed below.The fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 of this disclosure may bedriven by liquid or gas passing through the spindle's housing atrelatively high pressures. The fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B is similar to high speed spindles described in related,jointly owned, U.S. patent app. Ser. No. 14/461,006 filed on Aug. 15,2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

As seen in FIG. 1A, the fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 includes ashank 210, a housing 220 and a sensor module 230 mounted to the housing220. As seen in FIG. 1B, the shank 210 and the housing 220 define afluid channel 240. Fluid exiting the fluid channel 240 may act upon ashaft 250 to rotate the shaft 250 around a rotation axis A shown in FIG.1A. A cutting insert 130 (see FIG. 4) may be mounted to the end of theshaft 250 for synchronous rotation therewith.

The housing 220 may have an opening 225 to provide a generallyunobstructed path between the sensor module 230 and the shaft 250. Insome embodiments, the opening 225 may be physically obstructed butsubstantially transparent to specific frequencies of the electromagneticspectrum.

FIG. 2A shows an alternative fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200′. Thefluid driven cutting tool spindle 200′ may be mounted in a monoblock 270of a tool turret. The monoblock 270 provides the fluid and passages forpowering the shaft 250′ instead of requiring a specific spindle housing.As shown in FIG. 2B the monoblock 270 may also have an opening 225′ andan associated sensor module 230′. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG.2C, the sensor module 230′ indirectly assesses spindle characteristicsby monitoring fluid characteristics passing through the monoblockwithout an opening into the shaft.

The present disclosure should not be limited to the fluid drivenspindles 200, 200′ disclosed above. Other configurations of fluid drivenspindles 200 may also be suitable for the present disclosure. Forexample, the driving fluid may be channeled through the shaft of thespindle instead of the housing or the monoblock. As discussed above,mechanical spindles may also benefit from one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a machining center 100. Machining centers within the scopeof this disclosure include milling or turning centers, automatic, CNC,semi-automatic or manual stations. In this non-limiting example, thefluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 is mounted within a machinespindle 110 that is disposed within the machining center 100. The fluiddriven cutting tool spindle 200 supports a cutting insert 130 (asreferred to as a cutting tool). The machine spindle 110, fluid drivencutting tool spindle 200, cutting insert 130, and a workpiece 140 arehoused within an enclosure 102 of the machining center 100. Theworkpiece 140 may sit upon or be held by a workpiece support 145 thatmay be movable. The enclosure 102 may be accessed through at least onedoor 160. The at least one door 160 includes a selectively engaged latch150 that is capable of locking the door 160 in a closed position.

As used herein, the term door refers to any means by which at least theprimary opening of the machining center is closed. The primary openingof the machining center is the opening through which the workpiece isinserted and removed from the machining center. The door may be hinged,folding, sliding or any other means known in the art. The door mayinclude a single pane or multiple panes. The door may be operatedmanually or automatically. The door may have at least one handle orother manipulation means known in the art.

In a conventional system, a machine control system operates the machinespindle 110 and the latch 150 in a wired configuration. When operating,the machine spindle is electrically powered to rotate, therefore turningthe cutting insert 130. The machine control system controls the currentto the machine spindle 110 that causes rotation, and when current is nolonger being supplied to the machine spindle, the machine control systemcan disengage the latch 150. This wired communication between themachine spindle 110 and the machine control system may utilize anencoder to provide a signal that triggers engagement and disengagementof the latch 150.

However, the housing of the fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 isintended to remain substantially rotationally stationary as fluid is runthrough the fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 to rotate the cuttinginsert 130 with the driven shaft. Under this configuration, aconventional machine control system can be deprived of its ability todetermine the active operation of the machine spindle 110 that wouldotherwise trigger the unlocking of the latch 150.

To help cure this potential problem, inventors have provided a sensormodule 230 (see FIG. 5) mounted to, mounted on, embedded within, oroperably arranged relative to the fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200or the support structure, such as monoblock 270, thereof. The sensormodule 230 monitors one or more operating conditions of the fluid drivencutting tool spindle 200. Operating conditions can include, but are notlimited to, rotational speed of the shaft 250, rotational speed of thecutting insert 130, characteristics of fluid flow, such as pressure orflow rate, translational speed or acceleration of the housing 220, orrelative position, speed or acceleration of the fluid driven cuttingtool spindle 200 relative to the workpiece 140 or the workpiece support145. Changes in operating conditions of the fluid driven cutting toolspindle 200 should lead to adjustment in one or more functions of themachining center. Functions of the machining center include, but are notlimited to, allowing and baring access to the enclosure, driving theshaft 250 of the fluid driven spindle 200, and processing a workpiece bycontacting the cutting insert 130 with a workpiece and providingrelative translational motion therebetween. Some but not all of thesefunctions may be controlled, managed or adjusted via the machiningcenter controller 190. In some embodiments, the machining centercontroller 190 is an internal controller, or includes multiplecomponents located on or within the machining center 100. Thosefunctions controlled by the machining center controller may be referredto as processing conditions. Therefore processing conditions relate atleast to the conditions under which a workpiece is processed, such asthe relative motion of the workpiece relative to the cutting insert 130,or the fluid characteristics used to drive the shaft 250.

In some embodiments, the sensor module 230 may directly monitor therotational speed of the shaft 250 through the opening 225. For example,the sensor module 230 may include non-contact motion sensors such as anoptical sensor 232 capable of sensing rotational speed by monitoring ofa visual mark located on the shaft 250, where the mark periodicallysweeps through the vision of the optical sensor 232. The optical sensor232 may use any known optical technology, such as visible light, laser,infra-red light, or ultraviolet light.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor module 230 may include sensorsbased on electromechanical, magnetic, optical, magnetoelastic, orfield-effect technologies, such as an electromagnetic sensor 234 capableof sensing rotational speed by monitoring the frequency resulting from amagnetic marker placed upon the shaft 250 as the magnetic marker rotatespast the electromagnetic sensor 234. In some embodiments, non-contactmotion sensors within the sensor module 230 may use microwavetechnology.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor module 230 may include apressure sensor 236 (see FIG. 5) in fluid communication with the fluidchannel 240 (see FIG. 1B) or other path of driving fluid. The pressuresensor 236 may monitor the magnitude of the fluid pressure runningthrough the fluid channel 240. A fluid sensor that reads low, or zero,relative fluid pressure may infer a low or zero rotational speed for theshaft 250. Thus the sensor module 230 with a pressure sensor 236 wouldindirectly determine the approximate rotational speed of the shaft 250and the cutting insert 130. In other embodiments other fluid sensors maybe used that operate based on related characteristics such as flow rate.As understood from the preceding, in some embodiments, more than onetype of sensor may be used to monitor separate operating conditions ofthe fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200.

In some embodiments, the fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 is atrest when the shaft speed, as sensed by the sensor module 230, isapproximately zero RPM. In some embodiments, the sensor module 230includes a wireless transmitter 260 (see FIG. 5). The wirelesstransmitter 260 may transmit a signal, indicative of sensor informationreceived from a sensor, when the shaft 250 is at rest, i.e. zero RPM, orbelow some other predetermined, relatively slow, RPM. In otherembodiments, the wireless transmitter 260 may substantiallycontinuously, repeatedly or periodically transmit a signal that maydirectly or indirectly communicate the rotational speed of the shaft250, or other information concerning other operating conditions of thefluid driven cutting tool spindle 200.

The sensor module 230 may use the wireless transmitter 260 tocommunicate wirelessly with a wireless receiver 170. The sensor module230 may include a power source 262, such as a battery, or provide powerto the sensors 232, 234, 236 and the wireless transmitter 260 of thesensor module 230 through an optional processor 264. The optionalprocessor 264 may allow the necessary calculations concerning operatingconditions to be computed by the sensor module 230. In otherembodiments, the sensor module 230 transmits the rare data (e.g. afrequency) for interpretation by the machining center controller 190 ora processor associated with the wireless receiver 170. The wirelesstransmitter 260 may include a RF transmission unit 266 and an antenna268.

In some embodiments, the wireless receiver 170 is connected to a fixture180 that may be mounted within the enclosure 102 of the machining center100. In some embodiments there is a direct line of sight between thesensor module 230 and wireless receiver 170. In other embodiments,wireless receiver 170 accepts signals transmitted from the sensor module230 that are reflected from a surface within the enclosure 102 of themachining center 100.

The wireless receiver 170 is operably connected to the machining centercontroller 190 by a controller connector (discussed below) such thatsignals received by the wireless receiver 170 can be used by themachining center controller 190. In other words, the controllerconnector may relay information from the wireless receiver to themachining center controller. In some embodiments, once the machiningcenter controller 190 processes the signal, it can communicate with theat least one latch 150, which secures the at least one door 160, in aconventional fashion to allow for accessing the enclosure 102. In otherembodiments, the signal does not have to be processed by the machiningcenter controller 190 because the signal is provided in a format alreadyrecognized by the machining center controller 190.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment for selectively allowing accessto the machining center's enclosure 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 4,the wireless transmitter 260 of the sensor module 230 communicateswirelessly with the wireless receiver 170 that is in operationalcommunication with the at least one latch 150 without relying upon themachining center controller 190. In some embodiments, the wirelessreceiver 170 is connected to the fixture 180 mounted on the door 160. Inother embodiments, the fixture 180 may be mounted or incorporated withthe latch 150. In still other embodiments, the wireless receiver 170 mayitself be mounted to or integrated within the latch 150.

The operating principles of the machining center 100 may necessitatethat the door latch 150 should be engaged, i.e. the latch provided in alocked position and unable to be opened, at all times that the machiningcenter 100 is powered on, unless the sensor module 230 indicates thatthe operating condition of the shaft 250 meets a related accesscriteria. In one embodiment, where the operating condition is therotational speed of the shaft 250, the access criteria could be that theshaft 250 is at rest, or rotating at an otherwise acceptably low speedbelow a minimum threshold.

In some embodiments, the sensor module 230 may monitor motions ofmultiple axes instead of, or in addition to, rotation of the shaft 250.For example, the sensor module 230 may include an accelerometer 238. Ininstances where the machine spindle 110 is capable of movement along therotation axis A, or movement of the rotation axis A in space, theaccelerometer 238 could sense these motions and transmit appropriatesignals to prevent access into the enclosure 102 while parts are inmotion.

In some embodiments additional motion sensors may be provided within thesensor module 230, or separate therefrom in order to monitor motion ofother potentially movable elements within the enclosure. Examples ofother movable elements that may be within the enclosure include: movingcomponents of the workpiece support 145, moving components ofmeasurement systems, moving components of auxiliary systems such asmaterial handling systems, moving components of material removal systemssuch as metal shavings, cutting fluids etc. In each of the aboveexamples, the same principle applies: the door latch 150 remains engagedto lock the door 160 at all times that the machine power is on, unlessthe plurality of motion sensors and sensor modules indicate that theaccess criteria for all of the axes is met, at which time, the doorlatch 150 can be disengaged and the door 160 can be opened.

In some embodiments, the access criteria may be set to allow access tothe enclosure 102 if internal elements are moving with some speed belowa minimum threshold, such as a minimum 10, 30 or 100 RPM of the shaft250 or a minimum speed of 200, 500 or 1000 mm/min along any axis ofmotion for any moving component.

In some embodiments, the machining center 100 may include more than onedoor 160. One or more latches 150 may operate to lock the free ends ofeach door 160 with respect to one another. In other words each latch 150may simultaneously lock the two doors 160 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thelatches 150 may include a mechanical or an electro mechanical elementthat, when applied, can lock the machining center door and may alsoinclude an actuator that can change the element state such that themachining center door can be opened.

According to some embodiments related to FIG. 3, the communicationbetween the wireless transmitter 260 and the wireless receiver 170 ofthe machining center controller 190 may allow for control of parametersbeyond the locking and unlocking of the latch 150. For example, thewireless transmitter 260 may provide signals sufficient for themachining center controller 190 to substantially continuously monitorrotational speed of the shaft 250, and changes in rotational speedthereof, due to the material removal process. The shaft 250 isunderstood to be rotating at the same speed as a cutting insert 130 heldtherein. Therefore monitoring the shaft 250 can provide informationabout the operation of the cutting insert 130. Additionally, the cuttinginsert 130 could be monitored to provide information about the operationof the shaft 250. The rotational speed can be affected by numerousvariables, such as cutting depth, tool sharpness, material hardness,tool breakage, and others.

While the machining center controller 190 indirectly drives the shaft250 to rotate via the fluid pressure, the machining center controller190 may control relative translational movement of the cutting insert130 by moving the machine spindle 110 or the workpiece 140 via theworkpiece support 145. It therefore may be beneficial to link the rateof translational motion imparted electrically by the machine centercontroller as a function of the shaft rotational speed. For example, ifthe rotation speed is decreasing due to a change in trajectory, themachining center controller 190 may slow down the relative translationalmotion to maintain a near constant rotation speed of the shaft 250 andcutting insert 130. Reducing relative translational motion should reducethe stresses between the workpiece 140 and the cutting insert 130allowing for an increase in rotational speed. In effect, the sensormodule 230 in connection with the wireless transmitter 260 and wirelessreceiver 170 provides a feedback loop to the machining center controller190 that may otherwise not exist when operating fluid driven cuttingtool spindles 200 without the sensor module 230.

According to some embodiments, the machining center controller 190 maybe configured to operate a valve or other means capable of adjusting thepressure or flow rate of driving fluid for the fluid driven cutting toolspindle 200. Therefore the machining center controller 190 may be ableto increase the pressure within the fluid channel 240 in an attempt toincrease shaft rotation speed if the sensor module 230 senses anunexpected reduction is rotational speed. In other embodiments, themachining center controller 190 may be configured to shut off fluid tothe fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 if the shaft's rotationalspeed experiences a significant unexpected spike. Such a spike in therotational speed of the shaft 250 may be an indication that the cuttinginsert 130 has broken and the machining center 100 should be shut offand maintenance performed.

Several different approaches have been considered by the inventors forimplementing the improved machining centers disclosed herein. In oneembodiment, a conventional machining center and conventional fluiddriven cutting tool spindle may be retrofit to allow the disclosedcommunication and functions between the spindle and the machiningcenter. The retrofit may be provided by a kit. The kit may include thesensor module 230, a wireless receiver 170, and components foroperatively connecting the wireless receiver to the machine centercontroller 190 such that the machine center controller receives a signalhaving information that is understandable by the machine centercontroller for determining accessibility of the enclosure. The signalmay provide understandable information in a form similar to datatraditionally provided to a machine control system from an encoder. Thecomponents for operatively connecting may include hardware to operablyconnect the wireless receiver to the machining center controller. Thecomponents for operatively connecting may also include hardware orsoftware if necessary to convert data from the sensors into theappropriate format for use by the machining center controller.

The optional hardware or software for translating the senor data into ausable signal for the machine center controller may be contained withinor accessed by the machine center controller. For example, software maybe provided on a computer readable medium for installation onto saidmemory. Alternatively, the software may be stored on a computer readablemedium that is not provided with the kit. Instead, the software may bedownloaded by the machining center controller by accessing an internetaddress, requesting the software for download, providing an access keyor verification, and receiving into memory of the machining centercontroller the software requested.

In other embodiments, the optional hardware or software may bepre-installed within the sensor module 230. In other embodiments, theoptional hardware or software may be incorporated into a module with thewireless receiver 170.

The components for operatively connecting the wireless receiver to themachine center controller 190 may take any number of forms known in theart. For example, a wired connection may be made with a pre-exiting portprovided on the machine center controller. Alternatively, a port may beincluded in the kit for joining to the machine center controller'smother board or other bus. In still other embodiments, the wirelessreceiver can be wired to or even mounted to machine center controller'smother board or Bus. Each of these embodiments may be collectivelydescribed as a controller connector.

Some fluid driven spindles are available with wireless sensor modulesalready included. These modules communicate with an independent displaytraditionally unable to function in association with the machine centercontroller as set out in this disclosure. Therefore an example retrofitkit for a conventional machining center in use with a fluid drivenspindle that previously includes a sensor and output display maycomprise only the components for operatively connecting thedisplay/receiver to the machine center controller.

In some other embodiments a conventional machining center with electricspindles may be retrofit with a kit having the fluid driven cutting toolspindle 200 and the sensor module 230, a wireless receiver 170,components for operatively connecting the wireless receiver to themachine center controller 190.

In other embodiments, the operator may be provided with a machiningcenter built specifically to perform the functions discussed in thisdisclosure. In this embodiment, the wireless receiver 170 may beintegrated with the machine center controller 190.

Other ways to implement controlling machining center parameters, such asthe locking and unlocking of a door latch, or adjustment of fluidpressure, using wireless signals from a sensor, which monitors fluiddriven cutting tool spindle operating conditions may also be possible.These other examples include, but are not limited to, using a controlsystem that bypasses the machining center controller of a conventionalmachining center completely.

FIG. 6 provides a general flow chart illustrating the operation ofmachining centers according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Asensor module 230 monitors the shaft of a fluid driven cutting toolspindle 200 at step 601. Wireless transmission occurs between the sensormodule 230 and a wireless receiver 170 at step 602. The machining centercontroller 190 then receives a signal from the wireless receiver 170either directly or indirectly by wired or wireless transmission at step603.

FIG. 7 shows an example decision tree using the disclosed machiningcenter to control access thereto. The process starts at step 700. Thelocked or unlocked condition of the latch 150 may be initially checkedat step 702. If the latch 150 is unlocked, an alert may be sent to theoperator at step 704. If the latch 150 is locked, the machining centercontroller 190 will enable spindle operation through the provision ofdriving fluid and current to the necessary electrical components at step706. The operating conditions of the fluid driven cutting tool spindle200 may then be monitored to determine whether the RPM of the spindlemeets a predetermined access criteria, such as whether the RPM is abovea predetermined threshold (step 708). If the RPM fails to meet theaccess criteria, the system returns to confirm that the latch 150remains locked. If the RPM is determined to meet the access criteria,the machining center controller can be signaled to unlock the latch orenable the user to unlock the latch (step 710). The process ends whenthe fluid driven cutting tool spindle is spinning at a rate meeting thepredetermined access criteria and the latch is unlocked, which means theoperator is able to access the interior of the machining center 100 toreplace the tool or the workpiece.

FIG. 8 shows an example decision tree using the disclosed machiningcenter 100 to adjust the operating parameters thereof. The process maystart at step 800. The wireless sensor 230 is continuously orperiodically monitoring or determining the RPM of the shaft or thecutting tool of a fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 at step 802. Thewireless sensor 230, alone or in combination with the machining centercontroller 190 monitors for changes in RPM of the shaft or cutting toolas the spindle is removing material from a workpiece. Monitoring forchanges in RPM is shown as step 804. If no change in speed above athreshold is found, the controller can loop back for another data pointfrom the sensor module that is monitoring the spindle RPM. If the shafthas changed speed above a threshold, the presence of a spike can bedetermined (step 806). A spike is understood as a significant change inspeed in a very short amount of time, for example one, two, or less than10 sampling periods. Spike criteria can define both change in velocityand duration of the change. For example, a change in tool velocity froma working condition to a no load velocity, within a very short amount oftime, would be one form of a spike. Similarly, a change in tool velocityfrom a working condition to a near zero velocity, within a very shortamount of time, would be another form of a spike. If a spike, up ordown, is found, the controller can signal to stop processing and disableoperation (step 808). If no spike, i.e. significant change in rotationalspeed, is sensed, the controller may determine whether the change inrotational speed was an increase or a decrease (step 810). Thecontroller may then wish to counteract the change in rotational speed.Therefore, if the rotational speed increased, translational speed canincrease to apply more pressure at the cutting insert (step 812).Relative translational speed can be increased by increasing the speed ofthe workpiece or the translational speed of the spindle or both.Alternatively, the fluid pressure applied to the fluid powered cuttingtool spindle 200 may be decreased by signaling the appropriate valvesand/or pumps. If the rotational speed (RPM) decreased, the translationalspeed can decrease to reduce pressure at the cutting insert (step 814).Relative translational speed can be decreased by decreasing the speed ofthe workpiece or the translational speed of the spindle or both.Alternatively, the fluid pressure applied to the fluid driven cuttingtool spindle 200 may be increased by signaling the appropriate valvesand/or pumps.

The fluid driven cutting tool spindle 200 in FIGS. 1 and 2 shows anembodiment specifically designed to accept a unitary sensor module 230and allow for a through-housing view of the shaft 250. A wirelessmonitoring system according to aspects of the present disclosure may beconfigured for use with other live tools, such as the fluid drivenspindle type live tool 900 of FIG. 9, that do not provide forthrough-housing access to the shaft. The wireless monitoring systemshould still provide for direct monitoring capabilities of the cuttingtool operating conditions, such as temperature, vibration, rotationalspeed, etc.

The live tool 900 includes a shaft 902. The shaft 902 allows the livetool 900 to connect to a machining center (FIG. 1). The shaft 902 maypass through several segments of a live tool body 904, 906, 907 ofvarying and successively smaller diameter. The live tool 900 has asmaller diameter towards the cutting end to enable better access to thecutting area. The second live tool body segment 906 is between the firstlive tool body segment 904 and the third live tool body segment 907 ofthe illustrated embodiment. In the exemplified case, the first segment904 is closer to the shaft end of the live tool 900. The second segment906 is in between the first and third segments 904, 907, and the thirdsegment is closest to the cutting tool 908. In other embodiments, eachlive tool body segment 904, 906, and 907 may have a substantiallysimilar diameter. The cutting tool 908 may be operably connected to theshaft 902 with a collet (not shown).

The live tool 900 may include a transmitter unit 910 having a housingwith transmitter components, including a power unit, protected inside.The transmitter unit 910 is configured to transmit data to a receiver(e.g. 170 of FIG. 3). In an embodiment, the transmitter unit 910 is atransceiver unit. In an embodiment, the transmitter unit 910 includescomputing and/or processing capabilities. As an example, the transmitterunit 910 may include the following elements illustrated in FIG. 5:antenna 268, transmission unit 266, power source 262 and processor 264.The transmitter unit 910 may be mounted to the live tool body (e.g.segment 904) with a transmitter connector band 920. There are numerousother methods, known in the art, of mounting auxiliary structures tolive tools or related components. In an embodiment, the live tool 900has at least one feature, such as a cavity (see FIG. 1B), a slot, aflat, or a screw thread, that can be used to connect the transmitterunit 910 to the live tool. In each embodiment the live tool 900 does nothave to provide for optical access directly between the transmitter unitand the inside of the body 904.

In some embodiments, the transmitter unit 910 uses a cable 930 toconnect to a remotely positioned sensor collar 950. The sensor collar950 is designed to at least partially surround a rotating portion of thelive tool 900 to be capable of monitoring operating conditions adjacentto the cutting tool 908 without dedicated access built into the livetool 900. The cable 930 can include wiring to transmit power to a sensorwithin the sensor collar 950 and data from the sensor to the transmitterunit 910. In one embodiment, a bracket system 940 may be employed tosupport the cable 930 and/or support the sensor collar 950 upon the livetool 900. The bracket system 940 may include a connector arm 942designed to hinge around an axis, exemplified by joint 946, and provideflexibility in the bracket assembly process. A bracket band 944 may beconnected to the live tool body 904. The connector arm 942 may thenextend from the bracket band 944 to the sensor collar 950. The bracketband 944 may be mounted to a segment of the live tool body 906 differentfrom the segments 904, 907 on which the sensor collar 950 and connectorband 920 are located.

In one example, the sensor collar 950 secures the collet (see FIG. 10B)that holds the cutting tool 908. Therefore the sensor collar 950 may bereferred to in the industry as a collet chuck lock nut, such as a Regofix, a ER lock nut, an ER collet nut, etc. As such, a sensor could beembedded or otherwise provided in a standard body configuration tomaintain the functionality and similarly mirror the dimensions of thepart (e.g. a ER lock nut) being replaced. For example, the outerdiameter range may be between 15-80 mm, more specifically, between 15-20mm, 20-30 mm, 25-35 mm, 35-50 mm, 50-65 mm, or 60-80 mm. The sensorcollar may have a length within the range of about 10-30 mm, morespecifically, between about 11-20 mm, or between about 19-30 mm. Thesensor collar 950 may be sized to fit ER standards, such as ER11, ER16,ER20, ER25, ER32, ER40, ER50, etc.

The sensor collar 950 may include a cavity 952 in which one or moresensors can be mounted or supported within. The cavity 952 may be shapedto position and secure a collet therein. In some embodiments, the sensorcollar 950 includes multiple cavities 952 in which multiple sensors canbe mounted. The sensor collar 950 may include slots 954, or similarfeatures, by which a tool can be used to tighten and secure and/oruntighten the sensor collar relative to the cutting tool 908 or theshaft 902. Additional features of the sensor collar 950 include anexterior surface 956, a tool end distal surface 957, and a radialinterior surface 958. Thus, the sensor collar 950 has a generallyannular shape suitable for at least partially surrounding the cuttingtool 908 or the shaft 902. In some cases the annular shape would besufficient if it curved only partially around a complete circle. If thesensor collar 950 does not replace a lock nut or similar component, thesensor collar 950 may be a separate element mounted to the housing body907 by such a locking nut.

The sensor collar 950 may house the one or more sensors, and may alsohouse other electrical components in the same annular unit. In anembodiment, electrical traces or wiring are mounted on or within thesensor collar 950. In an embodiment, sensor collar 950 is or includes aprinted circuit board.

In other embodiments, the sensors are mounted on, within or integratedwith a collet, or a nut system that secures the collet. Typically, thenut system including seals, gaskets, rings and components that are indirect contact with the nut while it is securing the collet in place. Inan embodiment, the nut system including components that are placedbetween the nut and the live tool body 904 such as seals, gaskets,rings, annular shaped or partially annular shaped components.

The one or more sensors may be configured to monitor a variety ofoperating conditions of the live tool 900. In an embodiment, the sensormay be a speed sensor configured to sense the velocity, or changestherein, of the cutting tool 908 while it is rotating. A change in toolrotational speed, in general, or during various trajectories, may beindicative of tool wear and/or of changes in the cutting process.

In an embodiment, the sensor can sense the vibration of the cutting tool908 in free air and during the machining process. Use of a vibrationsensor may allow for a computation or estimation of the rotational speedof the cutting tool 908 without requiring the presence of an opticallyor magnetically identifiable mark as used by optical and Hall effectsensors. This adds to the ability for the wireless monitoring system tobe applied to existing live tools. In an embodiment a piezo electricsensor (e.g. SEN-09198 ROHS or SEN-09196 ROHS) that can measure flex,touch, vibration and shock measurements is mounted on the collarexterior surface 956, or in the cavity 952. In an embodiment, a MEMSbased accelerometer (such as iSensor® MEMS from Analog Devices) ismounted on the collar exterior surface 956 or in cavity 952. In anembodiment, the flex and touch features may indicate contact ordisengagement of the cutting tool with the work piece. In an embodiment,measurement of the vibration frequency and/or amplitude may beindicative of the cutting process quality. In an embodiment, measurementof the vibration frequency and/or amplitude may be indicative of andcorrelated to the tool rotational velocity. In an embodiment, a shocksignal may be indicative of a hardware problem, such as tool breakage oruncontrolled movement of the work piece.

In an embodiment, the sensor is a temperature sensor (e.g. Miniature andMicro Thermistors from QTI Sensing Solutions) configured to sense thetemperature of the cutting tool 908 in free air and during the machiningprocess in close proximity to the tool end. Monitoring temperature isworthwhile because an increase in tool temperature may be indicative oftool wear and/or of changes in the cutting process. Sensing temperaturecan be highly indicative of a pending problem with the cutting process.In an embodiment, the temperature sensor is mounted on the exteriorsurface 956 of the collar, such that it can sense the cuttingenvironment. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor is mounted incavity 952 such that it can sense the temperature of the cutting toolduring the cutting process. Further, use of a temperature sensor doesnot require modification to the cutting tool 908 or the shaft 902.Therefore a temperature sensor is both highly useful for monitoring ofthe live tool while also promoting the ability to retrofit existing livetools.

According to the present disclosure, the live tool 900 is configured formonitoring the cutting tool 908, or the shaft 902, directly, at thecutting site, e.g. at the cutting tool or collet. Being “at the cuttingsite” may mean at the tool end, within a distance of between 1-5 mm, orbetween 5-10 mm, or between 10-20 mm, or between 20-40 mm. Directmonitoring of the cutting tool 908 includes direct monitoring of thecollet that secures the cutting tool and includes directly monitoringthe nut that secures the collet. Direct monitoring of the cutting tool908 also includes direct monitoring of the shaft 902. The closeproximity to the cutting tool 908 limits the potential for interferencecaused by cooling fluid or mist that can hinder accuracy if the cuttingtool 908 were monitored from afar. The transmitter unit 910 provides forwireless communication between the sensor and a control unit of themachine center.

Use of wireless communication allows the live tool 900 to remaincompatible with automated tool changers (ATC) for being automaticallyloaded and unloaded. Additionally, the transmitter unit 910 and thesensor collar 950 should be small enough such that they do notcompromise the machining process and/or loading and unloading of thelive tool 900 from the ATC.

In many embodiments, the controller of the machine center is configuredto accept the signal or data from the one or more sensors and use thatinformation within a feedback loop to adjust at least one function ofthe machining center in response to the information related to at leastone operating condition received by the wireless receiver. Theadjustments may include adjustments to increase or decrease cutting toolvelocity, adjustments to terminate the cutting process, or adjustmentsto regulate access to the machining center.

Turning now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, another live tool 1000, in this case amechanical live tool, is shown. FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the livetool 1000. The live tool 1000 is provided with a sensor collar 1050 anda transmitter unit 1010 similar to those discussed above with respect toFIG. 9. The wireless monitoring system (e.g. the combination of thetransmitter unit 1010 and the sensor collar 1050) is applied to themechanical live tool 1000 without substantial modifications thereto. Thelive tool 1000 may include a shaft 1002, a live tool body 1004, and atransmitter unit 1010. The live tool body 1004 may have flat surfaces1015 for engagement by a tool that can be used to mount or dismount thelive tool 1000 from the machining center. The live tool body 1004 mayalso include a threaded portion 1018 for receiving a collar system 1050.The collar system 1050 may be configured to secure a collet 1020 to thelive tool body 1004.

In an embodiment, the collar system includes an annular shaped PCB 1060,on which sensor elements 1062 are mounted on or within. In anembodiment, the sensor elements 1062 are temperature sensors (such asMiniature and Micro Thermistors from QTI Sensing Solutions). In anembodiment, the sensor elements 1062 are accelerometers to sensevibration, for example Memes based accelerometers (such as iSensor® MEMSfrom Analog Devices) or piezo electric based sensors (e.g. SEN-09198ROHS or SEN-09196 ROHS). In an embodiment, the sensor elements 1062 aretemperature sensors. In an embodiment the sensor elements 1062 areposition and/or velocity sensors that function based on optical ormagnetic principles, in which case the cutting tool would havecorresponding features such as an optical marking, a physical featuresuch as a hole or electromagnetic properties, e.g. a magnet. Other typesof sensors discussed in the embodiments above may also be includedadditionally or alternatively.

In an embodiment, the sensor elements 1062 are powered from an energystorage unit, for example a capacitor or battery, provided within thecollar 1050 or the transmitter unit 1010. In an embodiment, the collarsystem 1050 may have a contact point by which the collar system canelectrically connect to a reciprocal electrical contact unit when thelive tool 1000 is in the ATC. The reciprocal electrical contact unit maybe connected to a power source, e.g. to a battery or to the machiningcenter unit power.

The collar system 1050 may include a flange 1052, slots 1054, or similarfeatures by which a tool can be used to tighten and secure and/oruntighten the collar system 1050. Other features of the collar system1050 may include an exterior surface 1056 and a radial interior surface1058. In an embodiment, the collar system 1050 includes at least oneseal 1070 or gasket that is placed on either side of the annular PCB1060.Although the above disclosure has been presented in the context ofexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications andvariations may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand.Such modifications and variations are considered to be within thepurview and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A live tool system comprising: a monoblock havinga monoblock fluid channel passing therethrough; and a fluid-drivencutting tool spindle mounted onto the monoblock, the spindle having aspindle shaft configured to rotate a cutting tool, and a spindle fluidchannel passing through at least a portion of the spindle; wherein: themonoblock fluid channel is in fluid communication with the spindle fluidchannel; and a fluid passing through the monoblock fluid channel andinto the spindle fluid channel is configured to rotate the spindleshaft.
 2. The live tool system according to claim 1, wherein: themonoblock belongs to a tool turret configured to carry a plurality ofcutting tools.
 3. The live tool system according to claim 1, wherein:the spindle fluid channel passes through the spindle shaft.
 4. The livetool system according to claim 1, wherein: the cutting tool spindle isdevoid of a separate spindle housing provided with a fluid channel. 5.The live tool system according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensormodule mounted on the monoblock, the sensor module comprising at leastone sensor configured to monitor: at least one operating condition ofthe cutting tool spindle, and/or at least one characteristic of thefluid passing though the monoblock and/or the cutting tool spindle. 6.The live tool system according to claim 5, wherein: the sensor modulefurther comprises a power source.
 7. The live tool system according toclaim 5, wherein: the monoblock has an opening formed therein; the atleast one sensor of the sensor module is configured to have a directline-of-sight to the spindle shaft.
 8. The live tool system according toclaim 5, wherein: the sensor module is configured to indirectly assessesspindle characteristics by monitoring fluid characteristics passingthrough the monoblock.
 9. The live tool system according to claim 8,wherein: the monoblock is devoid of an opening providing a line of sightfrom the sensor of the sensor module to the spindle shaft.
 10. The livetool system according to claim 5, wherein: the at least one sensorcomprises a temperature sensor, and the operating condition comprises atemperature of the live tool system.
 11. The live tool system accordingto claim 5, wherein: the at least one sensor is a vibration sensor; andthe operating condition comprises vibration caused by the rotation andcutting operation.
 12. The live tool system according to claim 5,wherein the sensor module comprises a wireless transmitter configured towirelessly send signals obtained by the at least one sensor.
 13. Amachining center having an interior, and comprising: the live toolsystem of claim 12 installed therein; a machining center controller; anda wireless receiver capable of receiving signals sent from the wirelesstransmitter and providing said signals to the machining centercontroller, wherein: in response to said signals, the machining centralcontroller is configured to adjust at least one function of themachining center.
 14. A machining center according to claim 13, whereinthe at least one function of the machining center is locking and/orunlocking of a door latch providing access to the interior of themachining center.
 15. A method of controlling the machining center ofclaim 14, the method comprising: determining whether the door latch islocked; monitoring the spindle shaft to determine whether itsrotations-per-minute (RPM) meets a predetermined access criteria; and ifthe door latch is locked and the spindle shaft's RPM meets saidpredetermined access criteria, unlocking the door latch to provideaccess to the interior of the machining center.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein: said predetermined access criteria comprises the spindleshaft's RPM being below a predetermined threshold.
 17. A method ofcontrolling the machining center of claim 13, the method comprising:monitoring the spindle shaft's rotations-per-minute (RPM); andwirelessly transmitting the spindle shaft's RPM information to thewireless receiver receiving, at the machining center controller, asignal from the wireless receiver, said signal being based on thespindle shaft's RPM information.
 18. A method of controlling themachining center of claim 13, the method comprising: monitoring thespindle shaft's 's rotations-per-minute (RPM) and determining whether achange in RPM exceeds a predetermined threshold; if the change in RPMexceeds the predetermined threshold, and it is determined that thechange constitutes a spike, disable spindle operation; if the change inRPM exceeds the predetermined threshold and it is determined that thechange does not constitute a spike, then: if the change in RPM is adecrease in RPM, then decreasing translation motion of the cutting tooland/or increasing fluid pressure; and if the change in RPM is anincrease in RPM, then increasing translation motion of the cutting tooland/or decreasing fluid pressure.
 19. The method of claim 18,comprising: wirelessly transmitting the spindle shaft's RPM informationto the wireless receiver; and receiving, at the machining centercontroller, a signal from the wireless receiver, said signal being basedon the spindle shaft's RPM information.